FIFTEEN non-Muslim women have trialled hijabs in Dandenong this afternoon as part of a social experiment, slammed by some as promoting separateness.
The experiment by two Minaret College schoolgirls was part of a short documentary being filmed for Greater Dandenong Council’s “Youth Channel” program aimed at “providing awareness, insight and education”.
The Council called on women to wear the Islamic headdress for three hours today as part of a “social experiment” for National Youth Week.
Awareness of what? Insight into what? Education about what?
Notice the Council called on women to wear it. Just women. The Council called on women to wear a hot smothery head-and-neck covering, to provide awareness of…how dirty they are? How necessary it is for women to be muffled and submissive? How women are second-class citizens?
Centre for Multicultural Youth regional services co-ordinator Heather Stewart, who wore a hijab back to her workplace, said she found the experience enlightening and was surprised by the backlash.
“I think it’s really sad that there seems to be such a lot of fear about Islam,” she said.
“I saw it as an opportunity for non-Muslim women to understand a little bit about another culture.”
But why only non-Muslim women? Why is it only women who are asked to do this? Why aren’t men also asked to do this?
Well because there is no male equivalent of the hijab.
Right, and what does that tell you?
Islamic Friendship Association president Keysar Trad said Muslim women couldn’t go around without their hijabs.
“It is part of our religion for women to cover their hair … it’s a statement of religious observance; it’s saying, ‘I am a devout Muslim woman’,” he said.
Women couldn’t go around without their hijabs. We’re always being told it’s a “choice,” but it isn’t, is it, not when there are enough presidents like Keysar Trad around. I also love the forumlation ““It is part of our religion for women to cover their hair” – it is part of their religion for other people to do what they’re told. That’s kind of like saying “It’s part of my religion for you to buy me dinner.”
Also? That claim that “it’s a statement of religious observance; it’s saying, ‘I am a devout Muslim woman’” is bullshit. That’s not what it’s about. It’s about “covering up.” It’s about filthy harlots covering up so that men won’t be forced to rape them.
Mr Trad said the council project would be criticised by some, but it was a positive way for non-Muslims to get a different perspective.
No, it is not, because – to repeat – it’s directed only at women.